After visiting Saga Prefectural Gokoku Shrine, I headed to Karatsu Shrine (唐津神社) nearby.
Karatsu Shrine is famous for the grand festival “Karatsu Kunchi (唐津くんち)” which is even registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. However, since it wasn’t festival season when I visited, the shrine was very quiet. The pure white torii gate seemed to have been repainted recently. Seeing the first, second, and third torii gates lined up so beautifully made me happy.
Turning around after passing through the torii, I took in the scenery…
The shrine is said to have been founded in the Nara period. It is believed that Empress Jingū dedicated a sacred mirror to the Sumiyoshi Three Gods here, praying for the success of her expedition to Silla. The enshrined deities are the Sumiyoshi Three Gods and Sōji Kanda.
Temizuya (Ablution Pavilion)
Haiden (Worship Hall)
Karatsu Shrine’s Famous Giant Ema
Besides this, there were many other ema (votive plaques).
There were also several small shrines within the precincts:
Suitengu Shrine (水天宮)
Hatsuka Ebisu Shrine (廿日恵比須神社)
Awashima Shrine (淡島神社)
Kotobuki Shrine (壽社)
Hifuse Inari Shrine (火伏稲荷社)
The word “Hifuse” (火伏) literally means fire prevention, originally referring to firefighting. However, this shrine is known for blessings related to women’s health and lower-body ailments.
Torii Tenmangu Shrine (鳥居天満宮)
To the left of the torii stands Nadeushi, a cow statue with a gentle expression. It is said that rubbing it brings good fortune, so I made sure to pat it thoroughly to maximize my luck.
Shirabiki Inari Shrine (白飛稲荷神社)
I wonder how this solemn atmosphere transforms during the Karatsu Kunchi festival… I’d love to visit during the festival someday!
